E3 09: In-game rewardables, Avatar Marketplace revealed

Following their media briefing today, Microsoft confirmed that they're now allowing the ability for games to unlock and/or provide items for your Xbox 360 avatars. They're being called "in-game rewardables." This won't simply be shirts or new pants, either. Things like full costumes (like the above Halo: ODST costume, for instance) as well as "props" (like cheerleader pom poms or a Warthog radio-controlled car).

Additionally, since Microsoft thinks you love dressing up your avatars so much, they're planning to give you the option to purchase new clothing, accessories, costumes from an Avatar Marketplace. The marketplace will give you more options for you Avatars, including real-world brands as well as game-related items.

Microsoft is very clear that the free items -- like the ones they been offering -- will continue to be available, but it appears that many of the items will be price. (An example in the demo we saw, a Halo t-shirt, was marked at 80 MS Points.)

So what do you think? You ready to purchase some items, or will the in-game rewardables be enough for you? Do you think these options will give your avatars more character?